Outer Banks the place to be in spring

For the News & Messenger

There are all the beaches in the world, and then there’s Nags Head. For me, when it comes to getting out of town for a few days, especially in the spring, there is no place I’d rather be than on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

There was a time when I associated “the beach’ with summer vacations. Lots of sun shine, tourists, expensive cottages, etc. But about 25 years ago, a bridge group I belonged to started going to Nags Head for long weekends in the spring and fall. Nags Head, I discovered, is an entirely different animal in March or April, or even May, than it is on the Fourth of July.

Last weekend, my wife Nancy and I skipped town for three days, heading for Nags Head in celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary. We had a great time.

For those who have never been to this glorious place, or for those who haven’t been in a while, here are my recommendations on fishing, eating and places to visit.

First, if in Nags Head in the spring, the best place to be is on the beach, bundled up if necessary, but on the beach. There is no greater therapy for the human soul than a peaceful morning watching the tide do its thing and perhaps doing so with a surf rod tucked in your belly. Surf fishing begins in March with stripers moving up and down the shoreline, followed by blue fish, flounder, speckled trout and a drum or two. The bottom fish move in in April and by May, there are numerous species of fish ready and willing to bite a line. Summer is really the worst time to surf fish. The water gets clear and hot, and fish move out to deeper water. So if surf fishing is your joy, spring is the time.

March through May is also a good time to head offshore for tuna, mackerel, Wahoo, and dolphin, but if you only have 3 or 4 days, an offshore trip will consume an entire day. I had rather fish in shore for a half-day (maybe even twice) than get up at 5 o’clock in the morning and spend 4 or 5 hours riding to and from the gulf stream while confined to the cabin of a deep-sea craft.

About 10 years ago, I met up with a young charter captain named Reese Stecher. Reese is from Virginia and one of the most knowledgeable and versatile fishermen I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Reese will do half-day or all day trips just off the beach, around Oregon Inlet or back in the sound. If there is a fish around, he’ll find it.

Reese and I went on a little scouting expedition last weekend, trying to see if the stripers in Albemarle Sound were willing to play ball. As it turns out, they weren’t. The water temperature was a little chilly yet at 47 degrees. I had one solid bite, but no hook-ups. Reese said that a few days of warm weather would congregate the bait and also kick off the striper bite. The action should begin by mid-March for sure. Reese’s web site is http://www.beachbumfishing.com if you need current information or want to see if he has an opening when you arrive.

Besides fishing and relaxation, the best part about Nags Head are the restaurants. That’s why I prefer Nags Head to Duck, Corolla or even Hatteras. You’re surrounded by great fishing and fantastic seafood restaurants.

Our favorite restaurants are Kelly’s, Owens and Basnight Lone Cedar Café. I’d hate to have to pick just one as better than the rest. I’ve been eating at these places for years and have never had a bad meal at any of them.

Kelly’s has about the best fried oysters you’ve ever put in your mouth. They get their oysters locally, from the Currituck Sound. Owens has seafood platters that will leave you gasping for air after all that food. Fried or broiled, it’s wonderful.

Basnight’s is a real dining experience. From soft shell crabs to huge filets of fried flounder, you can’t go wrong. State Senator Mark Basnight owns the restaurant and is generally on hand to welcome guests and make sure your meal was as good as advertised. If I had six nights at Nags Head, I’d eat at the above restaurants twice each. And if you get a chance, stop by Capt’n Franks at Milepost 4 for a couple of Nags Head hot dogs – all the way. They’re the best dogs on the East Coast.

Occasionally -make that always - wives will want husbands to join them on a shopping expedition. As it turns out, when we go the Nags Head Outlet Mall on Milepost 14, I actually enjoy shopping. They have a Bass Shoe store that has some great bargains as well as an Izod store to load up on knit shirts and trousers. There are lots of nice stores and good prices, too. Historic Manteo is another recommended place to visit and shop (in between fishing trips)

If possible, steal a Monday or a Friday this spring and head for Nags Head. Do it before June, though. That’s when the prices go up, the lines form in front of the restaurants and the tourists arrive in force. For me, there is no place like Nags Head in the spring.